Are you concerned that your cat’s claws won’t retract? This has happened to our cat Inca. Although she loves using her scratcher and keeping her nails fit, one of her claws doesn’t retract to its proper place and we can hear her nail clicking when she walks across the floor.
If you have a cat whose claw won’t retract, we’ve got advice here from veterinarian Dr. Audrey Harvey.
Dear Dr. Audrey,
My cat has two claws that won’t retract! I hear them clicking when he walks across the floor.
Should I just keep them trimmed or should I be taking any other precaution to make sure he doesn’t hurt himself?
There’s nothing that can be done to make your cat’s nails retract, and I don’t think declawing is a good idea under these circumstances – there can be complications from this surgery and it is very painful.
The best option is to just keep trimming them as you need to.
If he is scratching your floor or furnishings then you could put on some Soft Paws (see below).
These are soft rubber tips that are glued on a cat’s claws. They cause no pain, and prevent scratching.
This may be something you and your cat just have to manage with a set of nail clippers when your boy’s nails get too long.
Most cats tolerate a manicure very well, and it shouldn’t cause him too much stress.
— Dr. Audrey
Why Are My Cat’s Claws Always Out?
Cats are able to retract their claws due to a specialized system of tendons and muscles in their paws. When a cat is relaxed or walking, the tendons are loose and the claws are retracted, allowing the cat to walk quietly and without damaging surfaces.
However, when a cat is excited or feels threatened, the tendons contract and the claws are extended, allowing the cat to defend itself or climb surfaces.
If a cat is unable to retract its claws, it may be due to a medical condition such as arthritis or nerve damage.
In some cases, older cats may have difficulty retracting their claws due to age-related changes in their muscles and tendons.
If you notice that your cat is having difficulty retracting its claws or is experiencing pain or discomfort in its paws, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Cat Claws Caps — Nail Caps for Your Cat!
Soft Claws are nail caps that come in a range of sizes and a variety of colors. These nail caps glue onto your cat’s nail and last for about four to six weeks before dropping off. They are an option for cats whose scratching has become so destructive…or if you have someone in your home with medical conditions for which cat scratches could become an issue.
How to Trim Your Cat’s Nails
Trimming a cat’s nails can be a challenging task, but with some patience and practice, it can become a routine part of your cat’s grooming routine.
Be sure to only trim the end of your cat’s nails. A vein runs part way up the nail starting at the base. Within this vein there are blood vessels and nerve endings; if you should happen to cut into this vein, the nail will bleed.
Here are the steps to trim a cat’s nails:
- Choose a quiet and calm environment for the nail trimming session. It’s important to make sure your cat is relaxed and comfortable.
- Hold your cat gently but firmly, either in your lap or on a sturdy surface.
- Take one of your cat’s paws and press on the toe pad to extend the nail.
- Use a pair of sharp, cat-specific nail clippers to trim the tip of the nail, being careful not to cut too close to the quick (remember: the pink part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves). If you accidentally cut the quick, it can be painful for your cat and may cause bleeding.
- Repeat the process for each nail, taking breaks as needed to allow your cat to relax. (The first few times you trim your cat’s nails, you may only cut one nail–and that’s OK! Stop while you’re ahead.)
- Reward your cat with treats or praise for good behavior during the nail trimming session.
If you’re unsure how to trim your cat’s nails, ask the vet tech on your next visit to show you the proper way to trim your cat’s nails!
The purpose of this column is to educate. CatTipper shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by this site. This column does not replace the importance of specific advice from your own veterinarian. If you have any concerns at all about your cat’s health, please make an appointment with your veterinarian.
More Advice from Veterinarian Dr. Audrey Harvey
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Ask the Vet: My Cat Has Urinary Tract Problems!
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